World Mental Health Day 2017

On 10th October every year, we celebrate World Mental Health Day; a day of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health. The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.

Tuesday just gone was a day that brought to mind how far we have come in breaking down the stigma of mental health. BUT, there’s still loads to be done. Official statistics say that one in four of us will, at some time in our lives, experience a mental health issue. To be honest with you, I reckon it’s more – with many people suffering in silence unable to talk about what’s happening.

There are many organisations that I regard for their amazing work in raising awareness. One of my favourites in the UK is the Mental Health Foundation UK who do amazing work in research and influencing policy. They also do a rather natty Green Ribbon Badge well worthy of anyone’s lapel. I’m off to buy one now…